Food Pantries, Hit Hard By Fall Out Of Pandemic, Desperately Need Food Donations

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Food pantries have seen a significant demand for their services as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have substantial economic ramifications on individuals and families.

Jeff Eddy, a captain with the Salvation Army, told WICS, News Channel 20 many of the people coming to their food pantry are people who have never had the need until the pandemic hit.

And as the more people come for aid, the shelves become more bare and need replenishing. The Central IL Food Bank, which supports pantries in 21 counties, says this is a scenario playing out in all of the areas they serve.

Most pantries can accept donations of non-perishable food items such as canned and boxed goods. For specific needs, it is best to call the pantry you wish to support. However, some of the most commonly requested items are

Peanut Butter
Pasta
Pasta Sauce
Instant Mash Potatoes
Soups, Stews, and Chili
Canned meats – tuna, chicken, salmon, spam or ham
Canned Fruit
Cereal
Breakfast Bars
Pantry staples such as flour and sugar

If you need or would like to support a local food pantry, according to the Facebook page Springfield Families Help Families, here are is a list of the local micropantries in our area.

Downtown Springfield

422 S. 5th St. (sidewalk in front of Bell Building/Dept. of Public Health)

West Side Springfield

1501 S. MacArthur Blvd. (Capital City Property Management, behind building)

Southeast Springfield High School

2350 E. Ash St.

Lanphier High School (North End of Springfield)

1300 N. 11th St. (northeast corner of building)

Washington Middle School

2300 E. Jackson (near front door)

Chatham

501 W. Mulberry (Chatham VFW Hall)